Family Peer Advocate

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

To provide a structured, strength-based relationship between a Family Peer Advocate (FPA) and the Parent/Family member/Caregiver for the benefit of the Child/youth. Services are delivered in a trauma informed, culturally and linguistically competent manner.

Activities included must be intended to achieve the identified goals or objectives as set forth in the child/youth’s services plan. The FPA provides support to families and acts as a liaison between families, staff, community and all other family related support services.

• Operate from a Strength Based and Family Driven Care Perspective.
• Serve as a bridge between families, service providers and the CR staff, supporting a productive and respectful partnership by assisting the families to express their strengths, needs and goals.
• Connect families with appropriate services and supports, including community exposure and family engagement with entire CR team.
• Supporting and assisting families during
  ALL
  stages of transition.
• Promote continuity of engagement and supports as families’ needs and service change.
• Promote self-advocacy, self-efficacy, and empowerment in families.
• Assist families to identify and set goals and short-term objectives.
• Assist parents in developing parenting skills.
• Attend required meetings and trainings.
• Ensure delivery of services as outlined by treatment plans.
• Submit progress notes and other documentation within required time frames.
• Report incidents to supervisor upon discovery.
• Perform all other duties assigned.
• Continuous monitoring that family voice and choice is present in ALL service delivery!

• Family Peer Support will be delivered by a New York State Credentialed Family Peer Advocate (FPA).

• Must be reliable and able to work independently and understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record if driving is a requirement for the position.
• Must be cleared by the NYS Justice Center through fingerprinting for a Criminal History Records search.
• Must be cleared (not have any active or pending cases) by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services for instances of child abuse and/or neglect.

• Maintains demonstrate the ability to:
  Assess the needs of individuals and families, at admission and on-going through after care.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, demonstrate positive interpersonal skills.
• Model strength based and professional behavior.
• Collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Familiar with electronic record system, meet deadlines and willingness to grow and change are necessary.
• Knowledge of common challenges associated with mental health and SED behaviors.
• Crisis de-escalation and intervention techniques.
• Navigating various service systems, i.e. Transitional & In-Home Services, Education, DSS, SSI, OASIS, OMH, OCFS.

• Maintain a strength-based approach in working with children and families.
• Accepts and applies constructive feedback from supervisors to enhance the quality of service delivery.
• Be a team player.
• Have a strong sensitivity to cultural differences present among staff and clients within our organization.
• Possess a strong belief in people’s ability to grow and change; forge a mutually…